Poor in New York

We're poor in New York. We go to bed too late and wake up too early. We work for $10 bucks an hour. 

We're forgetful, and at times quite frazzled. 

But no one can say we're not resourceful.

The letter I left for my roommate:

I think this picture speaks for itself. Yes, those are coffee filters. 

Don't you judge me.

A Trip to Occupy Wall Street

The whole world’s watching.

The whole world’s watching.

I exited the Cortland Street subway station, and was almost immediately sucked into a mob of people. Race, religion, political party… you name it. And they were walking right past me, carrying signs or chanting phrases of disapproval. The Occupy Wall Street protests were in full swing that breezy night as the moon, the skyscrapers, and apparently the “whole world” watched. 

Well. Might as well join them.

Two of my friends and I quickened our pace to keep up with the crowd. Journalists intermingled amongst what could have been businessmen and women to homeless hippies. A person walked by with a sign for the Tea Party, while an “End the War” poster grazed my shoulder. It was cramped and the police began closing in, urging participants towards a nearby sidewalk.

All night, all day – Occupy Wall Street!

All night, all day – Occupy Wall Street!

Now I can’t tell you what the #Occupy movement is going to do… if it’s going to do anything. But it has certainly gotten people talking. Blogs are a buzz, news websites have stepped up coverage, and senators are making statements. So then again, I suppose that’s something.

A few weeks ago, the same could not be said. News stations had attempted to avoid coverage of these events. After all, who are they owned by? Yes, very large and powerful media conglomerates, which is exactly what’s being attacked. And politicians wrote off the grassroots movement as a war between classes. But slowly, and then quite surely, downtown Manhattan turned into a constant parade of voices.

And they are angry.

I suppose what fascinates me most is not the political cause, or even the surprising numbers of participants; it’s the people themselves. Their diversity and passions are so extreme, so bipolar! Yet they all seem to have something to say. The general unrest from a brutal economic summer was so prevalent, it was almost tangible…  and now something has sparked. A small explosion of ideals and philosophy has led to hundreds of cities starting their own movements, which now extend to every continent except Antarctica.

So what is this going to achieve? I couldn’t tell you. Are there radicals from both parties surrounded by moderates and independents protesting? From what I saw, yes. Should people be allowed to protest? I would certainly hope so (Democracy?). Can my generation stop being called apathetic? To soon to tell… or maybe I don’t care about the answer (ba dom - ching!). Will this end relatively peacefully? Fingers crossed. Do people hate this movement? Yes, and they should be allowed to. Do people love this movement? Yes, and they should be allowed to.

Because thank God, above all else, we are allowed to speak and think and act for ourselves. Now someone cue “Proud to be An American…”

Help Me With My Thesis

Can you believe it's that time again? Yes. I am writing another (and let's pray my last) thesis paper. To give you a little history, here is my statement: "What iPad business models are working best to create profitable magazines, and what obstacles still limit this current style of publication?"

I will be analyzing the history of the iPad, studying its turbulent relationship with the publishing world, and doing a case study of three national magazines using tablet technology. 

This is where I need your help. I'm curious about why the consumer (aka you and me) is interested in e-technolgy, and more specifically, the iPad. 

If you have a second, please select an answer from the below poll. If you would not buy an ipad, feel free to tell me why so in the comments section. 

General discussion is welcome, as is passing this link around to friends. Thanks everyone!

Poor in New York

We're poor in New York. Who needs a microwave? 

Kortlyn certainly doesn't. She also happens to look like a postcard from the 1950s. Hence, why she's on the blog.

Melting butter with a candle - Our own example of "roughing it."

Fall Trendspotting 2011

There are a few fashion and lifestyle trends I’ve noticed when walking the streets of NYC. Whether it’s a person strutting their stuff in Soho, random subway commuters, or an Astorian hipster, people definitely try to achieve a certain look. Fashion, food, books, movies and more are constantly in flux. So here’s a list of a few things I’ve noticed trending around town.

1) Divine Desserts - Move over cupcakes and mini-cupcakes. There are two new desserts littering New York’s city streets. First the cake pop. Basic in appearance, these yummy snacks are essentially pieces of cake dipped in flavored icing. Starbucks carries some of my favorite types, with super moist cake dipped in chocolate and espresso. The second dessert trend is the macaron (which I’m finding online as spelled both “macaron” and “macaroon”). These treats are made from egg whites, lots of sugar, and usually some form of almond powder. They look like two puffy cookies held together with jam or cream.

2) Spot On! - I’ve been seeing polka dots all over town. Black and white, blue and tan; you name it. Dare I say spots are trying to trump recent winning trends, like the stripe? No, no… I don’t know about that, you J Crew lovers. But it’s there – so watch out!

3) Loose Braids - This is one of those trends I wish I could emulate, but alas, braids and me never really work. I’ve been seeing girls do this loosey-goosey look all September, and I think I’m kind of jealous. Summer’s parallel trend: The top bun.

4) Website Updates - Facebook isn’t the only site getting a facelift. Pandora was just restructured, loosing the 40-hour listening limit per month. Blogger also streamlined its homepage, giving a more modern look to their site, and Pinterest received a few moderate changes. I feel like I’m forgetting one… Oh yes. There’s also Google+.

5) Tablet Debates - Step aside iPad, if only for a season or so. Amazon has just released the new Kindle Fire at the shockingly low rate of $199. This took the market by storm last week, but what of the Nook Color 2 expected to be released this autumn? I’d say one trend for now is “tablet consumer confusion.”

Things of note: jade green dresses, animal print, organic burger joints, Occupy Wall Street protest, iPhone 5 release (if it’s released…), debit cards that charge you, Hulu Ad Swap, book clubs.

*Note: Editor does not agree with or condone all above trends.*

Tour the New Facebook Timeline

I downloaded the new “Timeline” feature through Facebook last night. Now before you go stalking my page, if you don’t currently have the Timeline feature, you won’t be able to see anything new. Right now, it’s currently in developer mode, meaning you kind of have to hack…er, um… mess with Facebook 
a little bit.

And believe me, if Facebook minded, they wouldn’t let you.

So, want your own Timeline?

Well. Google it, my friends. 

Here are a few snap shots of what’s coming. The first two pictures are the new profile homepage, aka the actual Timeline. Notice “the cover” photo at the top of your page now. 


*Click each photo to expand the view. The browser will not open a new window, so use the "back" button to return to The Why Blog*

You can also see your photos albums and your friends in an updated format:

“Big events” are highlighted in the Timeline with a picture-adding option available. So the profile information change I made when I graduated college now looks like this…

I can even go back to the beginning days of my Facebook in 2005. It’s pretty humorous to see your friends saying they “got sucked in to this whole Facebook thing.”

And now your reward for reading my blog post in its entirety…

Here is the link I used to add the new Timeline feature. Follow the steps carefully, and then let me know if you’ve updated! I want to check out some new profiles. Happy Friday peps.

Interview with Jeremiah Brent

I was almost running late.

The press event began at 11am, and it was currently 10:15. Technically I was leaving right on time - plenty of time to grab a coffee and catch a ride downtown. But then… there’s the subway.

How unfortunate that all trains going into the city were running express, and “because of construction” were only leaving from one stop. Not my stop.

Sigh. As is life.

Somehow I managed to get to the event by 11:10 (albeit, a little out of breath), giving me plenty of time to wonder the Sherwin-Williams and Fisher-Price displays. Free, delicious looking munchies lined several tables, and a large canister of coffee sat proudly in the middle, as through all the food bowed down to him.

Well, I certainly did.

Grabbing a hot cup, I turned around to face more display tables. It was always slightly awkward at these press events, not knowing anyone, with most attendants being long-term editors from other magazines. Still, I can always play a part. And I was wearing my Jimmy Choos. Don’t judge – it helps. And high heels are expected at these things, particularly when you are about to hear from celebrity stylist, Rachel Zoe.

She was promoting a new online tool called Room to Bloom. Several PR agents had walked me around, highlighting features about the product and asking how it would best work for my audience.

Rachel Zoe then appeared, with new assistant Jeremiah Brent in tow. They gave information, answered a few questions, and talked about Rachel’s new baby. I’m not one to be star-struck, but it did feel surreal staring into the face of a woman I watched on TV.

How crazy?
I suppose I was part of “the press.”

Expecting to watch a short presentation on Room to Bloom, and then head back to work, I was surprised when a friendly PR agent I’d been talking with earlier approached me. “Would you like to try and get an interview with Jeremiah?” she said quietly as the presentation began.

I nearly choked. I didn’t have any questions! I really wasn’t prepared! I just ate a sandwich! Was there anything in my teeth!?

“Oh, yes. Definitely,” the calm, collected outer Britney replied.

Inner Britney was a little more frantic. I walked down a hallway and passed a man offering champagne. “Oh no thanks,” said a woman in front of me. “I’m trying to stay slim!” Another lady eyed the sparkling glasses, ’Thank you but no. I’ve got a long day ahead of me.”

Champagne man looked me as I unceremoniously grabbed a cup. “I’m going to need this…” I mumbled with a small smile. “Get it girl!” he replied in out right laughter.

Next I scribbled down a few quick notes, trying to gather enough questions for about a five-minute interview. My phone was fine on battery, and I said a quick “thank you!” prayer as I remembered my newish iPhone has a microphone. The whole interview could be recorded and I could focus on not looking a fool.

“Alright so…” I said to the one and only, Jeremiah.

“What’s up,” he smiled.

“How are you doing today? Are you stressed with Fashion Week?”

“I’m good! It’s been a lot... ”

Well I can’t give it all away people. To see the full interview check out my article on Parents Magazine’s Goodyblog by clicking here.

But just so you know, it went well.

And I didn’t have anything in my teeth.

let’5 pl6y A little Game 4 Some Fun, shall w4?

In the above sentence, 3 numbers and 4 letters will give you a code.

And that code unlocks something entertaining for you.

Can you guess my game?

Comment below when you figure it out. Happy Friday ;)

UPDATE!

Billy got the answer: 56AGSF4

So for everyone’s benefit: This is a “free movie code” for the new Blockbuster kiosks. You can use one per movie. Any of these should work through Sept 26: 76RMAQ8,
 53MMKC6, 75JMMF6, 
33CHAH4, 
2950BW3, and
 22DWTM9

Note that sometimes the codes don’t work for movies that are over a $1. 

Use this link to find a kiosks near you!